Tucson: Trailer park living for America's poor

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Life is tough for the residents of one of Tucson's many trailer parks, but the people still work hard and dream of a better future. The BBC's Anna Bressanin reports.
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[@shoggy1713]

Funny how people look down on people for living in trailers but are obsessed with the ‘Tiny house’ craze

[@cleopatrastarseed8558]

Yes! 😅

[@josemourinho9535]

Exactly! Trailors are a perfect size and you can move around freely. Yet, Tiny Homes are like the Smart Cars of the housing world. My ass don't fit and I can't stretch my legs out. 😁

[@mikebussy3334]

That's no joke and their tiny houses cost more money than my house costs.

[@spinalcrackerbox]

Those aren't the same group of people though.

[@julissavalencia7064]

Same all this time I was Thinking Fixer Upper!😍

[@vadim9342]

I'd rather live in a trailer park than be homeless in the city.

[@josephgaviota]

100% agree! My best friend in high school lived in a trailer park. His mom was METICULOUSLY clean. It was nice!

[@s.c.7362]

There's not a lot of difference when you look at that last trailer and Tent City. They have no running water - imagine the toilet back up - for 4 days a week, so I imagine they probably also have no heat or electricity at times. So there's not much difference. Except maybe segregation from the Typhus that is rampant thru LAs tent city. But I'm not even sure about that. There are probably rats carrying the Plague and mice carrying Hanta thru that park. Hep C is surely rampant because of all the needles that no doubt litter the park. I know those trailers leak in the rain so they aren't much shelter. Yeah, I can draw many parallels....

[@shantelgoode5069]

Same here

[@honeybee6858]

Been there done that ! So grateful for my tiny 1980s trailer ... my favorite thing is the safety and the fridge , milk and cereal last a week and is healthier than a bag of chips and McDonald’s . I know it’s not up to code and is considered a dump but the roof doesn’t leak and no holes to the outside , the electricity isn’t up to code but I would rather risk a fire than an assault or being murdered while I try to sleep . I did all this for my dog to be honest . My dog saved my life many times and I owe her everything .

[@Daevoz]

@@josephgaviota some not all lol. I’ve been in some trapped out trailer parks before it’s bad

[@mini_kimmyy1323]

Back in high school, I had a friend that was about 13 yrs old. She lived in a trailer w/ her family. She told me "don't tell anybody I live here because it's a trailer and I'm embarrassed." I never judged her for where she lived. Stay humble and remain a judgment free zone.

[@f.frederickskitty2910]

When I was a kid we never lived in a trailer but some of the places we lived were far, far worse than this. We moved from Cambridge, MA to Tucson, AZ and things declined even more regarding how we lived. I grew up, got scholarships and grants and went to the U of A and graduated but I never forgot my humble beginnings. Now I work with the working poor. Poverty is never a choice therefore I respect every person I now have the honor to serve.

[@ashotofmercury]

You sound like an amazing person! 🤗🥰

[@ProctorsGamble]

Bless you Fred!

[@leotardbanshee]

Thank you

[@henrimatisse7481]

thank-you!

[@bambinaforever1402]

I hope YOU are not poor ? Graduating a university does not make u a successful person if u do not get a nice job

[@crimeandcrafting]

There’s nothing wrong with living in a trailer. There IS something wrong with being a scuzzy dirt bag. And you can be filthy in a trailer, an apartment or a house

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

there is such a thing as RICH TRASH !

[@MrEOM41]

Yep I've seen very nice homes that are very dirty.

[@hdrjunkie]

Just like the ghetto... because you live in one it dont mean you have to tear own the toilets, break walls, destroy the cabinets and little all over the grounds. No one makes the ghetto except those who live there and destroy it!

[@ericcartman1425]

A trailer has shitty internet for gaming

[@jailenebejarano5638]

Disaffected GenX agreed i have seen some nice trailers that look almost luxurious on the inside .....

[@blu.6934]

I've grown up in a trailer park, lived in one my whole life. We didn't always have money for every cleaning product, but my mom would make homemade alternatives. She always said, "whether you live in a castle or a tent, at least keep it clean".

[@mobbob4012]

Smart woman

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Baking soda, vinegar, etc, . clean just as well.

[@acajudi100]

Clorox, white vinegar, Dawn, PineSol.

[@mehchocolate1257]

@@acajudi100 trailer park boys 2020😂😂😂😂

[@jessicah3450]

Did you miss the part that they don't always have running water?

[@sandracheeks1811]

Any house can be a respectable home. It’s how you care for it. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy, but clean and neat make a world of difference and can be done by anyone. My mom used to say “soap is cheap”!

[@CameronBrtnik]

agree! unfortunately most people live like pigs :(

[@atomictraveller]

my intestines bleed from chainsawing in tucson and sleeping in no AC, it will stick at 94 inside on el nino years. i don't get up to tidy until november, because if i do, my guts bleed more. if you want to come round and tidy, bring your own network of fans for all the spaces you plan on being in. it seems to me that "respect" can have as much to do with the mentality of the person giving it as the recipient.

[@TheRockkickass]

My parents were both dentists and did really well financially. Ended up living in a trailer when they retired cause they liked the lifestyle and wanted to save the money to give to me and my siblings instead of buying a condo. They still live there and love it

[@thetruthk5138]

Sounds very doubtful (stop lying)

[@jamiedavies4545]

@@thetruthk5138 Its Jamie Davies I live in the UK will I be able to get my own independent apartment or a independent trailer home please The Truth K please mate?

[@jamiedavies4545]

@@thetruthk5138 Its Jamie Davies I live in the UK will I be able to get my own independent apartment or independent Trailer home in America can you help me with that please The Truth K please my mate?

[@thetruthk5138]

@@jamiedavies4545 Sorry cannot help you I am already helping one of my Daughters with her mortgage mate

[@jamiedavies4545]

@@thetruthk5138 Its Jamie Davies will you be my friend please The Truth K please my mate?

[@elegantlywasted5447]

No one should be ashamed of living in a trailer There’s a lot worse

[@JeevesReturns]

Like a cardboard box

[@michaelgaynor6866]

@@JeevesReturns ,Right!

[@PlateletRichGel]

Kid Rock lives in a trailer.

[@JeevesReturns]

Scott Johnson Any grown and balding man who calls himself ‘kid’ probably does.

[@arminiusofgermania]

I honestly don't see why they would.

[@LambentLark]

Being poor is a situation. Having a dirty home, that's just laziness.

[@lisamadison203]

LambentLark or mental illness. Definitely mental illness.

[@victoriasnead1662]

Yes. My grams said just because you are poor doesn't mean you have to look poor. Take pride in what you have no matter what it is.

[@annavo1854]

Exactly. My grandpa can't get it how people are able to live so dirty - and he grew up in poor siberian villages but the houses were extraordinarily clean.

[@vero9348]

Or drugs or untreated mental illnesses but hey just lazyness cos that's how simple minded we are

[@LambentLark]

@@vero9348 If all bad behavior is mental illness or drug addiction that says we, as a species, have no control over our actions. That's far worse than simple minded. That removes humanity's capacity for free will. We are a society that uses the true devastating issues of a few as a blanket excuse for the bad behavior of the masses. If nothing is nobody's fault, who is responsible for their actions? More so, who pays the consequences?

[@HomesteadingWays]

Two of my mom's favorite sayings were "Soap & water are cheap, there's no excuse for being dirty" as well as "Being poor is not a reason to be classless". She was one of 7 kids in an irish family that lived in a 650 sq ft house.

[@gingerdurbin2726]

My Grandparents lived in a trailer. It was clean, cozy and homey. “One is only poor, only if they choose to be.” -Dolly Parton

[@queencrusader5401]

The manager has such a gentle voice. He seems like a good soul.

[@soioioioioioio34]

Yeah you gotta drink a gallon of moonshine a day to live in a hell hole like this

[@alyssawoodman]

Yeah he seems like a sweetie

[@seafoambeachcomb]

He looks just like Mr. Edwards from Little House.

[@alyssawoodman]

@B. Toff No I don't...but he is doing what he can...

[@alyssawoodman]

@@seafoambeachcomb Totally!

[@DChristina]

Rooting for you Melissa with your cosmetology dreams and beyond!

[@jcapple6070]

Amen! honestly my heart breaks for her and them

[@PikaJess123]

Shes so cute bless

[@GrandMasterPeep]

She seems like a sweetie just the few seconds we meet her

[@paulhanke1]

@T E Careful, your ignorance is showing. I live in Tucson and work in the media. I have had several experiences with this park. Yes it is in a poor and run down area. Yes there is drug use and other crimes which occur in the neighborhood, but not all the residents are illegal. I know this because I have been there and have spoken to the residents. I'm curious @T E , upon what facts do you base your blanket statement that everyone in the trailer park is in the United States illegally? I did not encounter a single illegal at the park. Oh... one more question... I'm wondering, the older white woman watering her plants and wearing the sweater with hearts on it, what country is she from???? Perhaps you should put a bit more thought into what you are posting before you hit the send button. Just saying.

[@getchasome6230]

Paul henke that old woman had an obama sticker on her truck. That tells me everything I need to know about those people

[@ashthewolfdog1380]

I live in a trailer right now. I don't think we're ever gonna give it up. I actually like my trailer. I don't consider it a trailer, but rather a actual house. I've celebrated 9 almost 10 years of my life in these 4 walls and I've loved and cherished all the memories

[@jbak87]

That's good. I hope it stay there for a long time.

[@lisascott2449]

It sure beats living on the street! No bashing here! A home is what you make it regardless what it is!

[@aliciabrandt7889]

That sweet lady taking such good care of her kitty. May God bless her.

[@sammyscotch9945]

God bless the kitty cats of the world

[@yixnorb5971]

@@sammyscotch9945 And their pet humans.

[@ejyx1435]

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

*GOD WHO, WHERE*

[@Robconnors7253]

@@SUGAR_XYLER dog ohw,erehw.ruoy ton ynnuf....

[@barbarawolfsong6967]

I was so touched by the positive attitude these people had.

[@lizzies.4018]

Half of them were probably drunk or high as a kite on one thing or another.

[@flyingsnake3737]

Lizzie S. And you would know this how ? Maybe you are the one that is high.

[@MIZK0NG]

It's those with the less are most appreciative that's why. I saw that a lot when I traveled in a lot of third world countries. It's very humbling

[@lizzies.4018]

I know from growing up around people in trailer parks very similar to the one featured in this video. If they were in a good mood it was because they were a mental case or they were high or drunk.

[@quietus5138]

Actually, a lot of people in Tucson just have this kind of relaxed demeanor. I miss the people down there.

[@billyclark4102]

I grew up in Tucson and lived in a trailer. It was really a nice place, all the yards were well maintained and for the most part homes were clean. You can make a slum out of any place. It just depends on the people who live there.

[@sheilaclark1631]

Used to live in a trailer kept it spotless

[@MrMrbrianbechtel]

I really hope that girl with cosmetology gets where she wants to go... she has a good attitude... I would like to see her succeed

[@wobu5361]

Brian Bechtel I hope she succeeds too. Sometimes you get saddened to see so much negativity in the world. It is refreshing to see so many upvotes for your comment. Reminds me that there is hope for us as a society. I wish her all the best!

[@longtail4711]

synchromorph -- How come? What part saddens you?

[@GeekBoy03]

The problem is with most girls like her is once they finish high school, they have nothing to do, so they sit at home and see those ads in TV. With nothing better to do, they enroll into the schools, finish, then give shitty haircuts.

[@longtail4711]

synchromorph -- No, no! I know WHAT you mean, but I'm legit interested in your viewpoint and I'd like to hear more. I'm asking because I'm not sure how to put my own feelings about it into words.

[@lauraombelet7381]

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Johann Wolfgang von Goethe how does being a wealthy teenager give you any sort of credibility for dishing out life/career advice? If anything, it might make you less able to sympathize with what ‘success’ means to someone who faces more barriers to get there. The point wasn’t that she would win an oscar for best make up, but that she has these aspirations to help her go to school, get a job. She might not grow to be your message of successful, but if she can use her aspirations to better her life, that’s a success in and of itself.

[@thehustlinhomemaker1467]

Not cleaning your home has zero to do with income level. Leaving trash in your yard is a choice.

[@hellomimibanana]

While I somewhat agree, I’ve learned over time that when someone is suffering in poverty, they don’t usually have motivation to keep anything clean. Including themselves. And they’re usually heavily dependent on alcohol and drugs, which will inhibit them from practicing hygiene. Not an excuse, just a reason. I guess we need to get at the root cause of it.

[@brinettenyew726]

This is not true poverty has a dynamic impact on people’s lives. It’s linked to higher rates of abuse, worse parenting and even things like obesity. It makes sense because poorer families have a lot of stress and it can be demotivating to do things like cleaning. So yes it socioeconomic status actually does affect your standard of living which often means cleanliness as well. Calling it lazy behaviour is just reductionist.

[@willpower3317]

@@brinettenyew726 so are people predestined to be poor? Is poverty a terminal illness? Stop feeing sorry for people, that doesn’t help-honesty might.

[@CuriousConnoisseurs]

If you dont have hope or if you lonley and no guest you dont care much about that.

[@brinettenyew726]

@@willpower3317 ...... I did not say people are predestined to be poor? What? Obviously that’s an oversimplified way of looking at things and it’s undeniable that there marginalised groups that will find it much more difficult to over come poverty. Also? Not everyone can be Steve jobs??? Especially if you’re black good job opportunities are already hard to come by and if you grow up poor in a bad school district and you’re unable to attend college. These things make things much more difficult. So although no one is predestined to be poor, saying shit like everyone can escape poverty like what u were implying is total BULLSHIT. The government must first help these communities out and make sure they get equal opportunities as a white kid from a middle class family.

[@sistakia33]

This was seven years ago? I can't imagine how it is today!

[@micheleeaston2518]

It's called a MOBILE HOME. I used to live in a MOBILE HOME park and i loved it. People are real and help each other. I moved because I had to help my parents.

[@mikedat276]

I used to live in a poor neighborhood. Oddly enough I felt closer and more comfortable with those neighbors than my current ones.

[@tysongerhold7478]

I lived in a trailer park for a few years and I loved my neighbors....was like a big family I made very good money so poor doesn’t mean trailer parks. We had parties every weekend and took care of each other

[@diegochavez6520]

Eh rather have rich “snooty” neighbors it’s better than the risks of getting robbed & shot

[@VODZ]

People don't realize there is a strong sense of community in a trailer park. Some of the nicest people I've met have been from trailers. Don't believe the propaganda.

[@jackpanozzo6004]

Shameless vibes

[@jamiedavies4545]

Its Jamie Davies I live in the UK should I move to America I really really want to live in America in a trailer home in America Mike P mate.

[@emmacat3202]

If someone is paying 800 bucks a month, they should not be running out of water! Those poor people.

[@misami3537]

adventures and quadcopters How is it especially bad if you're white?

[@reddog5753]

Misa Mi Mexicans have no respect for white people, they are mean and have a attitude of "you are white so you have money and you have it better than me" even if you don't and you are poor. Being a white kid in school here I was harassed and bullied by Mexicans all the time. Even at young age they think they are little hard gangsters. Don't try walking the streets of South Tucson at night being a white person either haha

[@reddog5753]

hahaha you watch too much CNN leftist looser, YOU are whats wrong with this country

[@ryleebrettsmommy2704]

Emma Cat Right! Where I live in Texas I pay $665 for a nice 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment with a private park and nice pool.... I can't believe $600-$800 is what gets you these kinds of places in some states!

[@catherinezuklic5070]

They shouldn't be running out of water, but her rent is $500 per month, not $800.

[@ALCRAN2010]

3:30 "There's people that will" He says with sincerity and care in his voice.

[@serenew5690]

Wow, wow that's what I call gratitude. Thankful despite such poverty. God bless and keep, guide you guys. 🇺🇸🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️💞💝😊🦅💪🏻

[@marcushill5060]

All it needs is to be cleaned up other than that there is nothing wrong with living in a mobile home

[@branks9290]

Marcus Hill I know their Acting like their for poor people but their NOT!

[@edhollingsworth2335]

bran ks How do you know..?

[@n0vemberm00n]

bran ks they are they're

[@cliffdr.detroitlynch3903]

Marcus Hill i live in a mobile home , its paid for and clean, and we dont owe the bank shit. there is nothing wrong with a mobile home.

[@cliffdr.detroitlynch3903]

Amalgamaite where in the hell do you get your information, no houses stand up to a 8 on the richter scale, and ive never heard of a mobile home bieng built on sand, i live in one, and it aint on sand.

[@ruthcostigan4268]

The old lady is adorable but she was way overwatering her plants

[@EdBleedsBlue]

that's why they run out of water

[@IntentionalWellnessTy]

Lmaoooo

[@graceabandunt5218]

😂😂😂

[@sweetpea5539]

Nope. Tucson is DRY AF!

[@louisratatoulielinson]

Plant is drowned

[@karenrussell3326]

I lived in a mobile home for 20 years. It was my favorite home.

[@MamaLinz123]

I’m currently living in a mobile home on a cliff top, on the south east coast of England…it’s small, but it’s brand new and has everything a normal house has, just much smaller!

[@freethrice]

I live in an apartment now, 54 years old. Still working everyday. Gracious for my job. But i want to own something i can call my own. If it's a trailer, i would praise God for it.

[@wadebarnett2542]

If you don't own the land the trailer sits on, you're at a disadvantage. Trailers depreciate like cars. Rents can rise. If you own the land, the trailer and land can appreciate in value.

[@rbfabc]

^what he said. Buy land

[@shannon2748]

Especially the double and triple wide trailers. Some of those are nice and have garden tubs...better than any apartments in Asia.

[@0IIIIII]

Trailer parks are a ripoff the lot fees are exorbitant and trap people in poverty

[@mirandacarpenter2117]

Do what I did,find a mobile home already on property and do a land contract! Pay like 2,000-5,000 down and pay monthly! May take 5-10 yrs but you'll own it!

[@kimmisoomorris8841]

im a single poor woman I've lived on the streets, in the hood everyplace I ever stayed i beautified and fixed all of them by myself i picked up trash in the street planted landscapes and gardens. i practically landscaped all over the eastern US and did my own construction and plumbing too

[@kimmisoomorris8841]

thank you

[@kimmisoomorris8841]

thank you for saying that

[@kimmisoomorris8841]

I try my best with what I got

[@amberhollowell2957]

Pffft sure you did 🤣🤣🤣

[@pamelamorrisonn]

Jesus🔥

[@manishaadhikari3168]

I use to complain living in a single family 4 bedroom house, I’m feel so thankful now ❤️🙏

[@frankmangan2113]

Your a multi millionaire 😇

[@sleepyjones9625]

Aww Melissa seems like a good kid

[@lalakuma9]

That old lady's house looks super nice inside. I hope she'll find a way to really retire and not have to worry about paying rent every month and running out of water.

[@Junkinsally]

She is retired...

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

@saL sageV she keeps it livable and as nice as she can. You are making a shallow judgement.

[@PinkKissedLips]

She IS retired. Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay rent anymore.

[@TheBlackMage3]

I don't understand how she worked her whole life, but only has $800 per month coming in with social security. Something isn't adding up. The only way to make this math work is if she didn't work her whole life, didn't claim income, or made under $20k per year and retired early.

[@sixpackbinky]

@@TheBlackMage3 Some people are doing good making 20,000.00 a year hot shot.

[@saelaverdad8183]

Being poor does not equate to being filthy! It's up to the individual to maintain cleanliness of their own environment. I've been poor and I did not have roaches, nor did my bathroom look like this.

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

some of the repairs and issues with the structure doesn't help. That is a big factor.

[@paulohara6727]

If this is how the manager lives heaven help us.

[@JeevesReturns]

I’ve never lived in one of those, but have heard that these structures are prone to them. Something about all of the glue used in them attracts them ... and roaches breed like rats... or... roaches in this case.

[@JeevesReturns]

George Burns why do you feel the need to politicize everything?

[@worsteveroh6569]

Calm down you're not better than shit stop letting God's blessings get to your head pride comes before the fall

[@garcjr]

Update for 2023: This property has been bought out and will soon townhouses as well as a park will be built on the site. This had wanted to be done for years but the buyer had a hard time finding the owners of the property who were in China.

[@randmayfield5695]

I live in a 36 foot 1973 travel trailer and love it. Was going to build a Habitat house and bought the trailer for living on site during construction. Lived in it for two months while getting the lot ready and one day realized that it's a great way to live and environmentally very sound so just started making it my permanent home. That was 25 years ago. It's not for everybody but for me it's the way to go.

[@kezkezooie8595]

This is both sad and strangely uplifting at the same time. Sad because of the fact that people in such a prosperous country live in such poverty yet uplifting when you see the optimism, dignity and sheer strength of character of these people.

[@aquilifergroup]

kez kezooie well said. I was thinking the same things.

[@CHIEFS_DYNASTY_]

compared to the majority of the world, these people live very well. you don't understand how destitute most human beings are

[@kezkezooie8595]

darth boner Of course I understand that there is worse poverty than this in the world. It still doesn't justify why people in a prosperous country like the US should have to live like this. I could make assumptions based on your comment, but I realise that text communication can sometimes be a bit muddy so I'd rather ask you what point it is that you're trying to make as it's not clear.

[@toadwine7654]

kez kezooie what is prosperous about that country?

[@kezkezooie8595]

martin watvedt Sorry, I don't get what point of relevance it is that you're trying to make here.

[@savannaobregon3823]

I'm from Pima county and my nana and tata have lived in a trailer my whole life. It is never dirty. Their trailer is cute and homey. Its just about taking care of your things(only refering to the dirty cockroach house)

[@roningram5877]

$860 income, $500 for rent. Minus util's and a little cat food for the woman. Chemicals to kill the roaches? $15 + for a DIY can of poison.

[@smileykun1191]

I'm just here to say I'm in Pima to everyone keeps their trailers cleaned up besides the drug addicts and alcoholics lol and that's 70% of Pima county pretty much tells u y those crimes happen so often shit theirs a ambulance down the road rn as I'm typing probably a overdose again 😂😭

[@OverUnderwhelmed]

@@smileykun1191 I've seen similar instances of disrepair among people with disabilities (especially if they're older and have mobility issues, chronic illness, dementia etc) or people with mental illnesses. You sound very uninformed and judgmental. Sure, there are some addicts out there who trash their places, but it's ignorant to assume everyone is like that.

[@smileykun1191]

@@OverUnderwhelmed obviously you don't live in pima pal I don't gotta justify my words I know who's a tweaker and who has disabilities but nice opinion.

[@OverUnderwhelmed]

@@smileykun1191 P A L

[@beefyiceman94]

Everyone seems like good hardworking, nice, genuine people, I wish them nothing but the best!

[@jiminsojamful5269]

I literally fell in love with Mario, he just seems like such an optimistic guy. Totally has the same vibes as los hermanos in church I grew up around

[@bobbiemoss566]

These people are lucky to have this man as their manager. Young lady you can do it.

[@PlateletRichGel]

even he didn't want to be there, but he said, he needed a job. That's the right attitude for success.

[@davem5308]

Bobby,he is still asking for way too much rent from these struggling people.

[@mrdanforth3744]

@@davem5308 He may not have a choice. Towns and cities typically tax mobile home parks and apartments MUCH higher than single family homes. Electricity, insurance, etc all cost money and the only source of money is the tenants. If the park is not full, and some do not pay their rent, the park's bills must still be paid. The manager said the owner used to maintain the park then a few years ago stopped spending money on repairs. That is a red flag that the place stopped making profits. You do not abandon a business and let it go to pot if it is making money but if it is losing money you have no choice.

[@Community-Watch]

I live in a trailer park in Tucson for almost 8 years now! Beats apartments and sharing a house with roommates!

[@1224w]

Amen!

[@lukewhippy314]

For Sure 👍

[@illinoishasenteredthechat950]

Lol 😂 your dumb asf dude a trailers for dirty people

[@free2rhyme29100]

How are you going to call someone dumb when you couldn’t even use the proper form of *you’re lol

[@VetteDaily]

Trailers are dumb? Have you ever seen Trailer Park Boys?

[@zbuildsthewayyyt1085]

These trailers remind me of my first place. From 18-22, I lived in a 1970s model single wide in very bad condition. And by all accounts, at the poverty line. I find myself at that line all the time even now. I live in one of the poorest counties in FL.

[@bambinaforever1402]

Which one is that? I mean poorest county, not where u live

[@maestrovso]

These folks deserve a lot of praise and respect. They are happier in some way than people that have much more.

[@rickj1983]

I was a UPS driver many many years ago and part of my route was a trailer park. There were a number of people that kept their trailers in immaculate condition and there were a few that when they opened the front door the stench would dam near knock me over and their trailers were a mess. No matter, all of the people were very nice. Some people will simply never rise above it even if given a hand up. People like this teenage girl in the video above deserve to have a hand up because she is simply a victim of her environment - not of her making. At least none of these people are living on the street. They all have a roof over their heads. Hopefully they will all find a way up.

[@ryans413]

You can get a nice trailer for 40,000 still cheaper then a house just saying

[@peety6323]

I hope all her dreams come true.🙏

[@tzu2146]

So many seniors in this country living in poverty. America does not take care of it's older citizens. Ppl in other countries think America is wonderful, but we do not take care of out poor and older ppl. We have no national Healthcare and no decent public housing. Some cities have so many homeless it's heartbreaking.

[@iseeyou2810]

Many poor people are the product of their environment, why is she deserving more then other?

[@tzu2146]

@@ryans413 That is a not a possibility for most ppl living below the poverty level. 40k ? These ppl have trouble buying the basics.

[@robertmitchum2486]

Love how the people take so much pride in their homes.

[@jbak87]

Are you saying that's a bad thing?

[@Kanal7Indonesia]

It's their castle

[@Nechayev_]

@@jbak87 hey that’s a mansion for someone who lives in China’s cagehomes.

[@jbak87]

@@Nechayev_ I was just wondering whether he meant that negatively. If those homes were all I could afford, I would cherish it wholeheartedly too!

[@majestic6303]

You have to! At least you have a roof over head.

[@daybyday1664]

I grew up on and off in trailer parks. I don’t have a lot now, but I saved and own a home. Small cottage from the 70s, but she’s mine. We can do this ya’ll. Chin up.

[@christas2863]

I love the positive outlook the teenager has. God bless her. :)

[@TomAZ1984]

Melissa’s story both broke and warmed my heart at the same time. I don’t know how things turned out for her but I really hope she enrolled in school and never lost her ambition or sight of her goals so she could become a “cosmetology person”.

[@diamondsfurez7456]

John Doe honestly if she did enroll in cosmetology school, it’s one of those 2nd rate ones that are a little bit more affordable than prestigious ones like Aveda. She will still end up making little money working at great clips or Sephora in sales

[@r50559]

Jewell Smith so? She has ambition. She might surprise all of us and end up being a top cosmetologist to the stars

[@halanthernandez7471]

Click Click that’s right , love this comment ✨

[@blazereho811]

@@diamondsfurez7456 sometimes that's all people wanna be. a job is a job nonetheless.

[@conniewolf7300]

not likely

[@bjc_9975]

I really hope that the girl who wants to be a cosmetologist is successful and gets to fulfill her dream.

[@briangaron7609]

Bjc_99 wow a commenter with positive feedback. Maybe you could share your secrets, no one else seems to have anything nice to say!

[@briangaron7609]

Bork The Swedish Chef you have some nerve calling someone else retarded , you cannot spell for shit.

[@briangaron7609]

How do you say, "Go fuck yourself" in Swedish?

[@VAHOSS]

Bork The Swedish Chef you called the Mexican girl retarded, based on her poor English gramnar. And yes.... Americans are the best. You weak, no balls having, Swedish Libtard!

[@Noname-lk2ol]

Brian Garon see At least hes capable of SAYING "go fuck yourself" in your language even if spelled incorrectly. You can't even say or spell "go fuck yourself" incorrectly in his. Oh the ironyyyy.

[@coupleofbeers31]

I was in Tucson for a couple of days back in 2017. Most of it is horrible. I was scared to death. So many drug addicts and people who look like they just got out of jail.

[@jsamaras55]

The Obozo sticker on her truck explains a lot

[@tammsiee]

The most beautiful thing to me is some of the folks in the most run-down, lower class conditions typically have the best American spirit.

[@valerieh5400]

SleepyT agreed.

[@risquerabbitthehomespa9356]

It made me smile

[@chantelle4768]

what is an american spirit?

[@tammsiee]

@@chantelle4768 if you were american you would know ...

[@solidstate9451]

@@tammsiee I'm glad, I'm not!

[@Riko-Lopez]

I'm rooting for Melissa and all the young kids out there like her. She has a great attitude.

[@gothboi_llc2208]

Its the Tuc town attitude

[@yetibigfoot7350]

Let me just say she is so sweet. I hope the best for her. And all of those in there. As for this being the attitude in Tucson...ohhhhh let me just start with a story. I moved here from the Pacific northwest.. beautiful I must say but anyhow we ended up moving here. I had never been here so I did all the online research I could find up until we got here. I was horrified. I realize there's the culture shock but it was more than that it was a whole new world. Like I was in a dream.. make that nightmare. Or as if Rod Serling was going to pop up and begin to narrate the scene. My excitement for adventure went quickly off my list. The hotel were stayed in had maggots. . Might I mention that it was rated a 4 star!!!!! By who I'm not sure. The washcloth had blood on it. Then when I went to go get food for our new place and as I was getting some cheese this fella shoved me over to get to the cheese first. The way the homeless are treated here! I had wondered why on craigslist when I was reading the rant and raves of the area the were so many negative things said. I just thought they were negative Nellys but I'm really understanding more and more. Ohhhh then there's the land lords.. Or shall I say slum lords . I thought the first company was bad but then I got myself in this HOA mess. I honestly was watching this video and thinking I'd rather live in that park than to be here. $2000 a month and there's black mold. We've been without hot water for over a month now. Most of the appliances don't work. I have decided to tour the area. Found the Eastside. Funny how I was told that was the bad part of town. But I think it's lovely. The KonTiki is probably my favorite place here. Great food and nice staff. But truly there isn't a day that doesn't go by that I still after 8 years of being here I long for home. So, if there is this hidden place of refuge from rude people... please let me know.

[@yetibigfoot7350]

@Frost nah sadly I'm not bigfoot. He's just a mascot. I have bigfoot and Oregon Duck stuff everywhere to remind me of home. I was intrigued with stories of a bigfoot sighting around here=) If I were truly bigfoot I could handle it here but I'm a mere impostor.

[@beckettjeffries131]

The gratuity of these humans gives me the incentive to find the positive in the worse; I hope life brings them something that makes them all smile:)

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

My friend had to move into a Tucson trailer after her husband died and she had little dogs. She was getting older. It's not easy.

[@harmoniegregory8190]

So I live in Tucson in a trailer at last we have homes instead of being homeless

[@dirtyyydemn3449]

where the addys

[@harmoniegregory8190]

@@dirtyyydemn3449 ??

[@dirtyyydemn3449]

i posted up in tucson

[@worldclassact1389]

That's like saying we have a good educational system because we have schools..SMH.

[@roningram5877]

@@dirtyyydemn3449 that's kind of arrogant, don't you think? Assuming you know enough to critique.

[@shoanblevins922]

Living in a mobile home isn't as bad as being homeless I would imagine. I've seen a lot of nice mobile homes. It depends on how you take care of your home.

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

The lot rent increase causes people to lose their homes thus being HOMELESS !!!

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

I saw a mobile home with tray ceilings

[@user-wr7cy5ph9p]

I live in Tucson. We have so many traillers because our ground is caliche and rock. Building foundations are a lot of labor. Building and finding wells is hard too.

[@tnguy9696]

i grew up on Paris promenade street very close to sleepy hollow back in the 60's went to nash elementary school back then sleepy hollow was a very nice place to live . if people could see the pictures of it back then it would blow your mind

[@zoepraise1]

I grew up in this neighborhood. Used to ride my bike on the slabs of concrete after school. Every town has a ghetto and you can find good people living there as long as you are looking for them.

[@samanthacasas3091]

Yes . I know many good ppl from the getto

[@melzane7386]

gabrieldaniel moreno i grew up in this trail park when i was little my mom and dsd both got job at the age of 12 we moved out..

[@monchifernandez2871]

gabrieldaniel moreno. Where exactly is this place located. I wouldnt not mind renting one

[@elchicharron9503]

Tony M Directly behind No-Tel Motel near the corner of Grant and Oracle.

[@shable1436]

Caledonite Tiger no-tel motel lol, is that next to the stripper clubs near miracle mannor and keeling, northeast before the Catalinas foothills of mt lemon? Guess it could be worse, it could have been in south Tucson lol

[@Msriiko.]

There's nothing wrong with living in a trailer. Keep it clean and stay humble and real. Work hard and stay off trouble.

[@stormyweather8798]

Stave off?

[@toneyingram732]

Most Meth head s white s live in them

[@hellomimibanana]

It’s hard to stay out of trouble when you’re surrounded by it 😔

[@JR-xn6yu]

@@hellomimibanana Stay away from the trans person.

[@masterofpuppets5072]

@@hellomimibanana then don't surround yourself with it

[@livingintheforest3963]

This video was uplifting it seems like these people are really trying they’re not homeless they’re making an effort and I love the old style trailers the ones that were at least in decent condition as well as the wonderful manager they had there and the Hispanic man who had such a positive attitude. This was actually uplifting compared to what we see these days.

[@Michaeloftheland]

I live in a trailer on the AZ/Mexico boarder. It’s awesome I’m 30 and own 20 acres a well and a 1975 Winnebago. No bills no rent. Just endless time to grow good food and medicine.

[@beckyiskoo]

I hope that young girl goes far and sees what life has to offer

[@TackyFlamingo]

Luis Alvarez oh!

[@mike856ms]

$500 a month for lot rent and the water is off 3-4 days a week. HELL NO The owner needs to be mailed and forced to clean it up.

[@phillip198524]

They choose to live there

[@back2the80s]

pay their moving expenses. cost money to move nitwit

[@truthsmiles]

The water issue might be beyond the owner's control. It could be a city/county imposed. They are in the desert, after all.

[@roseguber3240]

@OldPossum Absolutely true, people would be surprised to know who owns those run down lots; the owners live in mansions...

[@PlateletRichGel]

@@roseguber3240 So what! Go buy some parks yourself and fix em up Rich old Rose! Stop being envious and jealous of others.

[@johniboz1]

My grandmother raised 5 kids as a widow living in Newark back in the 30s. She had zero money but she kept her apartment immaculate. My father told us stories on how she would be sweeping the sidewalk in front of the apartment house late at night!

[@RobHoffman83]

In 1975 my parents sold their home and we moved temporarily to a 5 star park. Then the recession of 1976 hit and we stayed a lot longer. Originally it was like living in a really nice wooded campground minus the camp fires. Then, in the late 1980s the park sold to an investment group. It immediately went down hill. I recently drove through the park after leaving it in the mid-1990s. It was disgusting, pure trash. I truly believe the owners have a huge bearing on how well a park looks and the class of residents it attracts.

[@mitchelljordan3398]

500 for lot rent. That's robbery.

[@annapaulikonis2433]

Mitchell Jordan The landlord should be hung.

[@mitchelljordan3398]

125 max. Robbing hardworking people blind.

[@mitchelljordan3398]

@Music’s Odyssey robbing old and poor people blind. Fuck you

[@genli5603]

She might not own the mobile home.

[@mitchelljordan3398]

Yes she does. Dumb ass. Listen to her. Damn people are idiots. You must be one.

[@deeliciousgrapes]

I used to say that I could never live in a trailer until I became homeless and realized that having a roof over your head is a blessing. Although I never lived in a trailer, I would've taken one in a heartbeat when I had no place of my own. I now have a nice apartment and I cherish and take care of it with everything in me.

[@bambinaforever1402]

I wonder how one becomes homeless apart from home being destroyed in an accident or by natural disaster

[@bunnysue0404]

Are you for real?@@bambinaforever1402

[@timsmith1125]

@@bambinaforever1402Although I haven’t been homeless, my guess is that there are almost as many reasons for such a situation as there are people without a home. God bless these folks that are trying to make it work instead of identifying as victims.

[@tanya4534]

​@@bambinaforever1402alot of people are one paycheck from being homeless.

[@floodlime8620]

I used to love visiting a trailer park in Phoenix where my mom’s friend lived. It was always clean and smelled good. The air little conditioning vents were ice cold and built into the floors. They felt sooo nice on your feet! Her two kids were straight A students and they both became doctors.

[@beinghonest9433]

500 a month!!! what a ripoff

[@wheelori814]

+BeingHonest yea, especially when you can rent an acre for 350 a month, buttttttttttt thats out in the sticks and you need a car and gas money.

[@beinghonest9433]

+wheelori814 bull you can get a house

[@wheelori814]

BeingHonest depends where you live. plus, if your as old as the one lady, why would you get a house?

[@beinghonest9433]

+Sunny Day that's the 500 a month question

[@zurisreptiles5239]

My mom pays 300 a month for our nice ish tucked away two bedroom mobile home. Lol.

[@VF1Skullangel]

This place has a lot of potential. Get some tiny houses in there. It could work. It's better than living in SoCal and paying 2000 a month for a shit hole apartment...

[@IglooDweller]

Tiny houses would be perfect! And cute!

[@vegeta9411]

indeed

[@baron8107]

It's only that way because of Silicon Valley. Tiny House Movement is actually causing a lot of problems, because Corporations turn humble living into a status symbol.

[@v8powerr771]

yeah potential for people married to their cousins moving in lol

[@LiaThePenguinologist]

but that doesn't help the poor people who can barely afford to live there as it is

[@star.set76]

I hope that girl gets what she wants in life, and that she fulfills her dreams.

[@mariaguilarte3999]

After the pandemic people started to see trailer parks are a good option for a decent life instead of seeing them as a trash can. I moved 8 months ago from Chicago to a mobile home in Tucson. It’s mine. And I love it. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. My neighbors are good people. The manager keeps the place as neat as it can be. My son now lives with me. We are both professionals. Trailer parks are whole new game after COVID.

[@WakingRay]

I'd rather live a decent, honest life in a trailer than in a golden tower after destroying thousands of lives.

[@NorthernGreenEyes]

Amen 🙏

[@ForeverMPH]

Great point!

[@chema8360]

Amen to that... Blessings from Mexico City

[@m60patton85]

That sounds familiar. I always thought a guy that did that

[@Alphae21]

this says a lot about modern SOCIETY..... in america USA.

[@sophiablank325]

The guy's optimism is so refreshing and inspiring that he feels that way when many of us wouldn't if we were in that position

[@chaosdemonwolf1]

The way I see it, no matter how bad you may have it, there's others out there that are worse off than you are. And I agree with Summer Goodlow. They may not have much but its theirs

[@hatetaxes1]

It's a few steps above homelessness and CA has over 25% of the homeless in America. A shelter makes life better.

[@Teal_Moon]

Yea cause Mexico is a terrible place to live in, he’s grateful as hell

[@AyyoShyGurlTv]

Speak for yourself some people just want a nice small space to call their own.

[@rudeartichoke2567]

@@hatetaxes1 What?! How is living in a trailer a few steps above being homeless anymore than someone who lives in a house? I think the house is more expensive, rent or mortgage. Seems that's closer to homelessness than living in a trailer.

[@dbacks2023-]

The happiest times of my life were the years I lived in a trailer park

[@jonwinder6622]

I love how they have hill jack slide guitar blues to make the documentary feel more trailerpark-ish

[@dadasaurusrex5461]

Homie has a great outlook on life and where he is. "It's mine and it's paid for and it's a place to live and an opportunity, so yeah God Bless America". I wish you the best sir.

[@davem5308]

"God bless America" is a shallow and over used lame expression. There is NO god blessing the USA, or any other country. Such baloney!

[@Melanie-le6mw]

I love the positivity from these individuals.... They may not have much but its theirs 😌🤗

[@Hmongboi228]

Agreed. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. After all, it could be worse.

[@chinaplateproductions1829]

That's why a lot of third world people don't have to take antidepressants apparently

[@lisamcdonald2877]

Summer Goodlow They are not poor due to laziness, whatever some asshats may say. Wages are kept low, so low that a man working every day can't afford anything better than one of these ragged out trailers. Compared to other first world countries, our minimum wage is disgraceful. That needs to change.

[@fjb1854]

When you ain't got nothin', you got nothin' to lose.

[@nc8414]

Ppl in the developing world would kill for one of these places. Be thankful for what you have

[@novajoe67]

Eye Opener! I have worked in many trailers parks like this in Tucson! This is how the poor lives in Tucson!

[@lovesanimalshatesrats6339]

That young girl that’s going to be a cosmetologist is a doll I hope she’s doing great.

[@mosesyang4222]

when I was a poor college student and needed a super cheap place to rent I rented a trailer...everyone told me it was a bad idea but for $250/month it was cheap...needless to say two trailers down blew up because of a meth lab and well...I booked ass, good thing the slum lord wasn't too smart in making me sign a lease

[@quickdraw9648]

Moses Yang not gonna lie, we had a meth lab next door at one of the parks I lived in.we knew something bad was going to happen soon so we moved out. blew up 2 weeks after we did finally leave. it's pretty crazy in parks sometimes.

[@quietus5138]

I lived in an apartment complex, and in the apartments across the street there was a meth lab (this was in Tucson on the East side). They brought SWAT in and everything. That mess don't just happen in parks.

[@saintjay8058]

Moses Yang this us just like the south side of syracuse

[@Yellow-Rose]

Moses Yang slum lord? lol

[@snowflakesillywolf]

Moses Yang the trailer park I live in, one of the trailers burned down because of a meth lab too :P

[@MrEliteman300]

When I was growing up my family, me my brother and my parents, never lived in anything too big, my parents taught me to utilize every possible space to make everything comfortable. Not to be happy with whatever scraps you got, but be happy with what you can make out of so little.

[@katydid1600]

You can be in movies one day. This was your first one and you did great.

[@ShydoodleO_o]

I grew up living in trailers all my life. My dad and my mom working and at times working two jobs it was never enough. Worrying about where dinner is gonna come from. I respect these people. ❤️ bless them

[@joshuahanson5233]

Due to high rent, people nowadays live in their cars, vans and RVs. I would rather live in a "decent" mobile home park and not have to travel consistently looking for a safe place to park and use the restroom.

[@SurprisinglyDeep]

Have you thought about buying a used truck and building a tiny home on it? If the tiny home is under a certain size, in many places it is legally considered just an add on to the truck instead of a home or trailer, so if you rented a parking space somewhere no one could evict you for living there because its wouldn't technically be a house

[@SurprisinglyDeep]

You could also build a "stealth camper" with a built in toilet

[@daisyflowers9334]

@Joshua Hanson Mobile home parks are a great alternative to High Rent Apt communities. One can have their own home and a yard. One idea is to buy an older used mobile home One can pay for, then all that is left is the park rent. Try buying a site built home with payments of less than a 1,000 a month, sometimes a lot less. The key is an older home that can be paid for.

[@PlateletRichGel]

@supernumery give me some of your money! hey it's the richest country on earht, give me some of your money! You go pay for their rent, your so eager to spend others' money.

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

*BEWARE OF WHITEHURST MHP* They will try to take your own home and not even let you move it !!! MOBILE HOME PARKS WILL RAISE YOUR RENT SO YOU HAVE TO LEAVE. They major in reselling homes and flipping them.

[@zeecaptain42]

I wish the world for that young lady

[@PinkFlowers365]

thank you for this

[@mementomori3195]

Compared with Hong Kong cage house, they like living in a mansion..

[@simiedulay]

Truee!!

[@ChildOfThe1970s]

I just searched that on Google and you're right!

[@Kanal7Indonesia]

True that!

[@jhowardsupporter]

I heard people live in internet cafes in Japan. There's a bunch of videos on it.

[@Dagoth_Ur_1]

I have a friend who lives in Hong Kong, most of the houses aren't actually cages around beds etc, I asked them and they said that's a few extreme places as many live in villages.

[@dougstyles5091]

I live in Tucson. These things are EVERYWHERE. When the monsoons hit,they get blown to pieces. There's nice ones as well tho. My uncle bought a double wide,built a beautiful deck, and added a garage. So they can be very nice as well.

[@RTannamal]

The BBC trying to shame Americans. I lived in England for 2 years....they shouldn't throw stones from that glass house belive me.

[@pyrs9544]

@@RTannamal Atleast British housing have safety standards. Atleast British have council housing in actual houses with strong brick walls which keep the heat in during the winter. Also atleast British trailers "static caravans" are nice and are usually used as holiday accommodation.

[@1224w]

Truth

[@mrdanforth3744]

@@pyrs9544 That's what you think kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZmYh6KortKcgpY

[@josephinamungaray6118]

I lived in one. It was decent and it had a window in the front of it.

[@adf2099]

I would like retire in a senior mobile park community in the future. I love that it's a simple lifestyle & budget friendly. Maintaining the community clean & in good condition is a group effort.

[@marthacamargo1404]

Her trailer is beatiful because of her energy

[@chris7285]

I’d rather live in one of these than with angry people like my family members.

[@cloud9_26]

Same bro. Same. I hate my family.

[@elenahaldy6525]

Me too.My friends are my family.

[@yasminzahra3333]

I hope you and your family get along

[@martalairmore4904]

Mine r trying 2 kill me. I got 2 get out!!

[@gaylegreene]

Me Too